SOUTHEND United boss Kevin Maher is expecting a tough pre-season test at Kettering Town tomorrow.
The Shrimpers comfortably saw off Kings Langley 4-0 before beating Canvey Island 7-0 on Tuesday night.
But Maher is expecting a tougher test tomorrow against Kettering.
“It’s another step up with them being in National League North so I think it’s going to be a tough one,”said Maher.
“We were pleased with everyone on Tuesday night and we’re looking to build on that again now with who gets what amount of minutes.
“It’s away from home against a competitive team and it will be good for us.”
Saturday’s friendly was agreed as part of the transfer which saw Callum Powell swap Kettering for Southend back in January.
And Maher has been delighted by Powell’s start to pre-season which has seen him score four goals in two games.
“Powelly is going back to where we got him from which will be good for him and he’s been doing ever so well,” said Maher.
“He’s come back fighting fit and he deserves everything he gets out of the game because of the amount of work he puts into it.”
However, Sam Dalby, Louis Lomas and Gus Scott-Morriss all missed Tuesday’s game with slight knocks and Maher is not sure if all three will be ready to play tomorrow.
“A couple will definitely be involved and we’re waiting on one more to see how it settles down,” said Maher.
“I’m not going to risk anyone if there’s any chance of them making it worse.”
Lomas is believed to be the player most unlikely to play this weekend.
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